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The HISD Board of Trustees continues to mourn the loss of longtime Board of Trustees member Manuel Rodríguez Jr. In an effort to celebrate his life and memory, the board voted unanimously during its monthly agenda review session to name the board auditorium at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center the Manuel Rodríguez Jr. Board Auditorium.

Prior to the monthly Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, Aug. 10, the board will host a reception to commemorate the renaming. That celebration is open to the public and will include a proclamation by Trustee Rodríguez’s longtime friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and other presentations.

“Trustee Rodríguez spent 14 years fighting in this auditorium for the students in District III and across the district to have access to the highest quality education HISD could provide for them,” says Board President Wanda Adams. “We remain saddened by his loss, but it was only fitting that we do this small gesture to remind everyone of the warrior that fought here for so long.”

“The decision the board made to name the auditorium after Trustee Rodríguez shows the level of respect they all have for the work he did throughout his tenure to make HISD a better place for all students,” said Superintendent Richard Carranza. “From now on, every time anyone walks into the board auditorium, they will be reminded of a man who dedicated years to helping our students.”

The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. There will be a ribbon-cutting around 4:30 p.m., and a brief video presentation inside the newly-named auditorium. The board will proceed with its regularly scheduled meeting immediately following the ceremony.

The HISD family is mourning the passing of Board of Education District III Trustee Manuel Rodríguez Jr., a dedicated servant to the children of Houston for 14 years and himself a product of HISD schools.

Rodríguez, who passed away on Wednesday, was elected to the board in 2003 and held every office, including assistant secretary, second vice president, first vice president, and in 2016, president of the Board of Education.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Trustee Rodríguez, who was a pillar in the HISD community,” said Superintendent Richard Carranza. “He was a true advocate for educating all children and a champion for change. He was a wise man, a mentor, and a friend to us all. We will forever be indebted to him by his service to public education. His legacy will live on.” Continue reading →

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